News


SA start-up develops first .NET compact framework for non-Windows smartphones

23 August 2006 News

A young, entrepreneurial South African business, Red Five Labs, has developed pioneering technology that will allow Symbian and Windows Mobile smartphones to ‘speak the same language’. The technology will meet a pressing need for Microsoft-oriented mobile software developers, it says.

Red Five Labs recently received a venture capital injection from SA venture capital firm, HBD Venture Capital and the Innovation Fund, an instrument of the National Department of Science and Technology.

According to Julia Long, CEO of HBD Venture Capital, the incompatibility of smartphone programming languages has long been a headache for developers the world-over. "Currently, the majority of software developers use the .NET programming languages but the vast majority of smartphones are based on Symbian and do not support .NET (in the same way that applications written for the Apple Mac generally do not work on the PC). Red Five Labs' technology changes all of this; removing the need for applications - whether these are games, screensavers or calculators - to be rewritten for each type of smartphone.

The smartphone technology allows applications written in Microsoft .Net Compact Framework to work almost entirely unchanged on Symbian phones and has the potential of cutting development time and costs markedly. And potentially, attracting giants like Nokia and Vodafone, according to the group.

"Because developers will not have to develop and maintain source code for multiple operating systems the new technology will allow mobile application developers across the globe to cut their investment in development time with immediate benefits to the bottom line. It will work for both existing and new applications and the online nature of the development community will enable a speedy entry to market," said Long.

The investment has now allowed the group to speed up development time and it expects to enter its first private beta stage this month. Once this is complete, Red Five Labs will release the technology commercially and all Symbian-based smartphones will be a potential platform for the software.

Dusan Babich, co-founder of Red Five Labs said that South Africa was an ideal environment in which to develop this technology. "This country provides us with excellent technical people to develop our product and the advanced nature of SA's mobile industry assisted in highlighting the market gap which our product addresses."

For more information contact Dusan Babich, Red Five Labs, +27 (0)11 807 4229, [email protected]





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

From the editor's desk: AI – a double-edged sword
Technews Publishing News
As with any powerful tool, AI presents challenges, some of which, if not carefully managed, threaten to undo the potential that it can offer.

Read more...
Global semiconductor sales increase
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has announced global semiconductor sales were $57,0 billion during the month of April 2025, an increase of 2,5% compared to the March 2025.

Read more...
Avnet Abacus announced new president
Avnet Abacus News
Avnet Abacus has announced that Mario Merino will succeed Rudy Van Parijs as president of Avnet Abacus, effective 1 July 2025.

Read more...
Avnet Abacus wins multiple prestigious awards
Avnet Abacus News
The awards from Molex recognise outstanding performance, collaboration, and significant growth in the challenging market conditions of 2024.

Read more...
Components distribution slowdown Q1 2025
News
European components distribution (DMASS) experienced a continued slowdown in the first quarter 2025.

Read more...
Semiconductor sales increase 17% YoY
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) recently announced global semiconductor sales were $54,9 billion during the month of February 2025, an increase of 17,1% compared to the February 2024 total.

Read more...
Silicon Labs – Q1 results
News
Silicon Labs, a leading innovator in low-power wireless, recently reported financial results for the first quarter, which ended April 5, 2025.

Read more...
Strengthening industry through strategic partnerships at KITE 2025
Specialised Exhibitions News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition is not just an exhibition, it is a powerhouse of industry collaboration where visitors and exhibitors gain access to authoritative insights, technical expertise, and high-impact networking opportunities.

Read more...
Solar Youth Project calls on industry to step up
News
With the second cohort completed training and the first cohort returning for their final module, host companies are urgently needed to turn the training into a long-term opportunity.

Read more...
Conlog powers SA’s future with national smart meter rollout
News
Conlog recently secured the RT29-2024 contract from National Treasury, which is seen to be a major milestone towards modernising SA’s utility infrastructure.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved